The Best Fit: Flattering Clothes for Shorter Women

Short women, particularly those who are under 5”4’, may encounter some difficulties in finding clothes that fit. Not only are adult sizes much bigger and longer for their stature, most cuts and styles are also not very flattering for petite figures. For short women, there are many ways to make sure that you find the right clothes that are flattering for your frame. The key to dressing short women is to make sure that you elongate your look. Whether through wearing vertical lines or creating a seamless look, there are many clothing styles and techniques to give the illusion of added height.

Tops

Avoid chopping your silhouette in half, this means that your top should not be belted or have horizontal lines on it. Vertical lines work well in elongating your figure and flattering your petite frame. Also, showing more skin is a trick towards diverting the eyes away from your short stature. V-necks are very flattering necklines that work best for short women. As much as possible, your clothes should come from the same color palette. This is effective in creating a seamless, elongated look for you.

As for jackets, try to find one that matches your pants or skirts, so as not to chop your silhouette in half. Go for wide lapel jackets, or pinstripe blazers. These work best towards lengthening your look.

Dresses

Short dresses create the illusion of longer legs and more height. Avoid dress lengths that go mid-calf, which will only make you look shorter. Be wary of belts also, as these slice your figure in half and shorten your look. High-waist belts may work if you want to lengthen your legs, but it will shorten your torso. Go for slim belts instead of thick ones. Petite dresses and trapeze dresses are the cutest numbers on petite figures.

For skirts, the more legs you show, the more height you will appear to have. Long skirts are not very flattering fit for shorter women. Those that fall below the knee are also a big no-no. Opt for skirts where the hem sits above your knees.

Pants

Pants are a little tricky for shorter women, because most styles and lengths cater to the average height. Either you buy normal-sized pants then go to a really good tailor to have it refitted, or look for brands that carry a petite range. Flared jeans and boot cuts are your best bet in making you appear taller. But avoid wide-legged pants, as this adds too much horizontally, making you appear shorter. Your pants’ length is also critical. Opt for those that cover the shoes, but not necessarily touch the floor. Pant hems that sit right above your ankles are not advisable.

Shoes

Heels, heels, heels. This is the primary key to making shorter women appear taller and more elongated. More than adding height, heels also does wonders to your posture, which is also a key to adding extra inches to your height. If stilettos are difficult for you, go for wedges. Avoid platforms and chunky wedges. Ballet flats are also not recommended, but if you really must, go for pointy toed flats or open-toed shoes.

Short women, particularly those who are under 5”4’, may encounter some difficulties in finding clothes that fit. Not only are adult sizes much bigger and longer for their stature, most cuts and styles are also not very flattering for petite figures. For short women, there are many ways to make sure that you find the right clothes that are flattering for your frame. The key to dressing short women is to make sure that you elongate your look. Whether through wearing vertical lines or creating a seamless look, there are many clothing styles and techniques to give the illusion of added height.

Tops

Avoid chopping your silhouette in half, this means that your top should not be belted or have horizontal lines on it. Vertical lines work well in elongating your figure and flattering your petite frame. Also, showing more skin is a trick towards diverting the eyes away from your short stature. V-necks are very flattering necklines that work best for short women. As much as possible, your clothes should come from the same color palette. This is effective in creating a seamless, elongated look for you.

As for jackets, try to find one that matches your pants or skirts, so as not to chop your silhouette in half. Go for wide lapel jackets, or pinstripe blazers. These work best towards lengthening your look.

Dresses

Short dresses create the illusion of longer legs and more height. Avoid dress lengths that go mid-calf, which will only make you look shorter. Be wary of belts also, as these slice your figure in half and shorten your look. High-waist belts may work if you want to lengthen your legs, but it will shorten your torso. Go for slim belts instead of thick ones. Petite dresses and trapeze dresses are the cutest numbers on petite figures.

For skirts, the more leg you show, the more height you will appear to have. Long skirts are not a very flattering fit for shorter women. Those that fall below the knee are also a big no-no. Opt for skirts where the hem sits above your knees.

Pants

Pants are a little tricky for shorter women because most styles and lengths cater to people of average height. Either you buy average-sized pants then go to a really good tailor to have them refitted, or look for brands that carry a petite range. Flared jeans and boot cuts are your best bet in making you appear taller. But avoid wide-legged pants, as this adds too much horizontally, making you appear shorter. The length of your pants is also critical. Opt for those that cover the shoes, but not necessarily touch the floor. Pant hems that sit right above your ankles are not advisable.

Shoes

Heels, heels, heels. This is the primary key to making shorter women appear taller and more elongated. More than adding height, heels also do wonders for your posture, which is also a key to adding extra inches to your height. If stilettos are difficult for you, go for wedges. Avoid platforms and chunky wedges. Ballet flats are also not recommended, but if you really must, go for pointy toed flats or open-toed shoes.

About 3FC

3FC began as a personal source of diet support for sisters Suzanne, Jennifer, and Amy in 1997. The site has grown considerably based on the feedback of the many visitors and sister chicks that found us and decided to call the website home.

The website was acquired by Internet Brands in 2010 and continues to provide the most supportive free weight loss community online!